Michigan After-School Partnership
Director of Public Affair
Michigan After-School Partnership, Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48900
We are Hiring!
The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) advocates for equitable systems that support and expand quality out-of-school time (OST) experiences for all youth in the state. Our values are:
Transformative Justice - We change structural forces and systems that harm some groups while benefiting others. Belonging - We create environments where all MASP partners and staff feel that they are seen, heard, and valued. Bold Action - We use data to drive bold, creative and strategic risks to accelerate change. Authentic Relationships - We build relationships that are honest, transparent, respectful, and trustworthy. Youth Driven - We center youth in everything we do. Agency - We create opportunities for OST practitioners, youth, families and partners to be change makers. Are you a strategic communicator and coalition-builder passionate about youth, education, and systems change? The Michigan After-School Partnership (MASP) is seeking a visionary Director of Public Affairs to lead our statewide strategy in communications, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement-elevating Out-of-School Time (OST) as a public priority.
Position Summary
The Director of Public Affairs is responsible for advancing MASP's statewide public affairs strategy, integrating communications, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to elevate out-of-school time as a priority in Michigan. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Public Affairs Director manages a dynamic team-including the Communications Manager and Policy Coordinator-and works closely with MASP leadership, board members, policymakers, partners, and youth to position MASP as a trusted voice and catalyst for equitable OST systems change.
Essential Duties
Leadership & Strategy
Develop and lead MASP's comprehensive public affairs strategy, integrating advocacy, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Partner with the Executive Director and Board to shape and implement MASP's policy agenda and statewide campaigns. Supervise, mentor, and support the Communications Manager and Public Policy Coordinator to ensure alignment, collaboration, and professional growth. Policy & Advocacy
Oversee development and advancement of MASP's public policy priorities at the state and federal levels. Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy partners to expand bipartisan support for OST. Lead policy analysis, legislative tracking, and development of testimony, briefings, and issue papers. Coordinate statewide grassroots and grass tops advocacy strategies. Communications & Public Engagement
Guide and oversee MASP's communications strategy, ensuring consistent, equity-centered messaging that elevates the OST field. Serve as a spokesperson for MASP with media, policymakers, and external partners. Oversee strategic campaigns, publications, and digital content that raise awareness of the importance and impact of OST. Align communications with policy and advocacy efforts to amplify MASP's mission and impact. Partnerships
Cultivate and sustain relationships with business, philanthropic, education, and community partners to strengthen MASP's network. Collaborate with MASP's Partner Council, Youth Advisory Council, and other statewide committees to ensure authentic inclusion of diverse voices in advocacy and communications. Represent MASP in national OST networks and coalitions to align Michigan's efforts with broader movements. Perform other duties as needed and assigned.
Qualifications and Competencies
At least 5 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, public policy and media relations. Experience supervising staff or cross-functional teams, including responsibility for hiring, onboarding, evaluations, and coaching for growth. Strong knowledge of the legislative process at the local, state, and/or federal level. Knowledge of issues and policy trends related to youth development, OST, education, and workforce development. Familiarity with Michigan's political and policy environment, including state agencies, legislative priorities, and OST-related coalitions and initiatives. Experience designing and leading issue-based policy campaigns, including setting policy goals, timelines, tactics, and metrics of success. Demonstrated ability to advance legislative and administrative policies through advocacy, relationship management, and coalition building. Proficiency with remote work tools. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Detail-oriented, with strong follow-through and organizational systems thinking Commitment to equity and expanding OST access for Michigan youth. Willingness, availability, and ability to travel statewide and nationally, as needed
Physical and Environmental Expectations
This position requires working indoors most of the time with some occasional work outdoors for events and interaction with communities. This position spends most of its time working at a desk and computer. The typical workweek is seven and a half hour workdays, five days per week with some occasional weekend work, as well as longer hours when deadlines warrant.
Salary and Benefits
Starting annual salary is $82,000 - $92,000, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefit package including employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employer matched 403b, and other benefits averaging an additional 35% of non-salary benefit. Additional work-life benefits include generous vacation and paid time off.
Apply Here
Please submit your resume, three professional references, and a cover letter by September 26 , 2025.
The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) advocates for equitable systems that support and expand quality out-of-school time (OST) experiences for all youth in the state. Our values are:
Transformative Justice - We change structural forces and systems that harm some groups while benefiting others. Belonging - We create environments where all MASP partners and staff feel that they are seen, heard, and valued. Bold Action - We use data to drive bold, creative and strategic risks to accelerate change. Authentic Relationships - We build relationships that are honest, transparent, respectful, and trustworthy. Youth Driven - We center youth in everything we do. Agency - We create opportunities for OST practitioners, youth, families and partners to be change makers. Are you a strategic communicator and coalition-builder passionate about youth, education, and systems change? The Michigan After-School Partnership (MASP) is seeking a visionary Director of Public Affairs to lead our statewide strategy in communications, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement-elevating Out-of-School Time (OST) as a public priority.
Position Summary
The Director of Public Affairs is responsible for advancing MASP's statewide public affairs strategy, integrating communications, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to elevate out-of-school time as a priority in Michigan. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Public Affairs Director manages a dynamic team-including the Communications Manager and Policy Coordinator-and works closely with MASP leadership, board members, policymakers, partners, and youth to position MASP as a trusted voice and catalyst for equitable OST systems change.
Essential Duties
Leadership & Strategy
Develop and lead MASP's comprehensive public affairs strategy, integrating advocacy, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Partner with the Executive Director and Board to shape and implement MASP's policy agenda and statewide campaigns. Supervise, mentor, and support the Communications Manager and Public Policy Coordinator to ensure alignment, collaboration, and professional growth. Policy & Advocacy
Oversee development and advancement of MASP's public policy priorities at the state and federal levels. Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy partners to expand bipartisan support for OST. Lead policy analysis, legislative tracking, and development of testimony, briefings, and issue papers. Coordinate statewide grassroots and grass tops advocacy strategies. Communications & Public Engagement
Guide and oversee MASP's communications strategy, ensuring consistent, equity-centered messaging that elevates the OST field. Serve as a spokesperson for MASP with media, policymakers, and external partners. Oversee strategic campaigns, publications, and digital content that raise awareness of the importance and impact of OST. Align communications with policy and advocacy efforts to amplify MASP's mission and impact. Partnerships
Cultivate and sustain relationships with business, philanthropic, education, and community partners to strengthen MASP's network. Collaborate with MASP's Partner Council, Youth Advisory Council, and other statewide committees to ensure authentic inclusion of diverse voices in advocacy and communications. Represent MASP in national OST networks and coalitions to align Michigan's efforts with broader movements. Perform other duties as needed and assigned.
Qualifications and Competencies
At least 5 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, public policy and media relations. Experience supervising staff or cross-functional teams, including responsibility for hiring, onboarding, evaluations, and coaching for growth. Strong knowledge of the legislative process at the local, state, and/or federal level. Knowledge of issues and policy trends related to youth development, OST, education, and workforce development. Familiarity with Michigan's political and policy environment, including state agencies, legislative priorities, and OST-related coalitions and initiatives. Experience designing and leading issue-based policy campaigns, including setting policy goals, timelines, tactics, and metrics of success. Demonstrated ability to advance legislative and administrative policies through advocacy, relationship management, and coalition building. Proficiency with remote work tools. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Detail-oriented, with strong follow-through and organizational systems thinking Commitment to equity and expanding OST access for Michigan youth. Willingness, availability, and ability to travel statewide and nationally, as needed
Physical and Environmental Expectations
This position requires working indoors most of the time with some occasional work outdoors for events and interaction with communities. This position spends most of its time working at a desk and computer. The typical workweek is seven and a half hour workdays, five days per week with some occasional weekend work, as well as longer hours when deadlines warrant.
Salary and Benefits
Starting annual salary is $82,000 - $92,000, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefit package including employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employer matched 403b, and other benefits averaging an additional 35% of non-salary benefit. Additional work-life benefits include generous vacation and paid time off.
Apply Here
Please submit your resume, three professional references, and a cover letter by September 26 , 2025.